With just three games left in the League Two season, Chesterfield host Bradford City on Monday in a match that could shape both sides' end-of-season ambitions.
The home side are three points off the playoff places and must go on a winning run if they are to mount a late push, while the visitors are clinging on to the final automatic promotion spot by a single point, but recent form suggests they could yet be dragged into the playoff mix.
Match preview
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Chesterfield's play-off hopes are still alive, but they are fading fast after a run of mixed results, the latest of which was a goalless stalemate at Wimbledon last time out, in which they failed to register a single shot on target.
It was their second draw in four games, and they have now won just once in that period, a sharp contrast to the form that had seen the hosts go unbeaten in six earlier this spring, winning five in that run.
However, the Spireites remain a tough side to beat, especially at home, where they are currently on a five-match unbeaten run, alternating between wins and draws, and that includes three victories and two stalemates, showing some resilience despite their recent dip.
History is not on their side heading into Monday's encounter though, as Chesterfield have not beaten Bradford in a competitive home game since 2007, and they have lost the last seven competitive meetings between the sides.
Still, there is hope as after Monday, Paul Cook's side will face two of the bottom four in their final matches, fixtures that look far more favourable on paper, but to make those games count, they must first take something from this clash against one of the top sides.
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Bradford City head into the final three games clinging onto third place, but their form suggests they may yet be overtaken in the race for automatic promotion.
A 1-1 draw with Notts County last time out extended their run to just one win in their last five, and the nerves are beginning to show, and while they remain a point ahead of the chasing pack, the Bantams are far from comfortable.
Bradford's away form has been poor, and it is threatening to derail their season, as they are winless in four on the road, losing three of those, including their last two, which is a big concern as they have two away matches left, including Monday's game and a pivotal trip to Doncaster.
While their record against Chesterfield offers a much-needed confidence boost, dropped points here could set the stage for a nail-biting finish and potentially see the Bantams slip into the playoff spots.
Team News
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Chesterfield's attackers Ryan Colclough and Armando Dobra both left the game against Fleetwood injured, but the latter was fit enough for the bench last time out.
Centre-forward Will Grigg also dropped the bench, but he could return to the XI alongside Colclough for this one, while Michael Olakigbe should maintain his place on the wings.
Bradford will remain without Andy Cook and Lewis Richards, who remain sidelined by long-term injuries.
However, Antoni Sarcevic, who returned from injury, featured from the start against Notts County, and could maintain his spot as one of the two behind the striker.
Chesterfield possible starting lineup:
Boot; Mandeville, Palmer, McFadzean, Araujo; Naylor, Fleck; Olakigbe, Metcalfe, Colclough; Grigg
Bradford City possible starting lineup:
Walker; Byrne, Shepherd, Kelly; Halliday, Pattison, Khela, Adaramola; Sarcevic, Pointon; Kavanagh
We say: Chesterfield 1-1 Bradford City
While Chesterfield have won just one of their last four matches, they are unbeaten in the last three, drawing two and winning one in that period, proving they are difficult to beat in recent matches.
Bradford, on the other hand, have lost two and drawn two along with one win in their last five, and are looking increasingly weak defensively, though we believe they have enough to earn a draw here.
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